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WE MAKE a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give – Winston Churchill. So many times, we make a life without knowing it—and every giving begins with 'why.' Ruth made life by what she gave—and God moved her from emptiness to vindication and finally redemption. (Ruth 1) WE WORK with others without realizing how much impact we have on them—and having a godly influence on someone is both a responsibility and a privilege. Elijah understood this enormity when God told him to anoint Elisha to take his place. (1 Kings 19:16) God wanted him to pour what he had learnt into Elisha, so he became a brain to pick, someone to listen to and a push in the right direction. Elijah mentored Elisha. He wanted to leave the earth empty. Is God calling you to mentor someone this season? ONE of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and help them navigate a course to their destination – John C. Maxwell. Jesus saw what the enemy planned to do to Peter, and he prayed for him. (Luke 22:31-32) Satan isn't far behind when the Lord is powerfully at work in your life. But God knows that the enemy is after you, and he is praying for you. (Rom. 8:34) ELIJAH could see the future, so he said to Elisha: "Tell me what you would like me to do for you before I am taken away from you." As your successor, I'll like to have twice the portion of your power. What you have requested of me is challenging, but it will be done if you witness my departure. But if you do not watch, you will not have your double portion. (2 Kings 2:9-10) James H. Taylor said, "There are three stages in the work of God: first it's impossible, then, it's difficult; then, it's done." It was difficult, but he saw when God took him and got his request. EVERY LIFE endeavour begins with a conviction. Then, a decision. One to take a stand; follow through with a promise, and make a change. They took a stand when the Sanhedrin called them in and told them not to speak again in the name of Jesus. So Peter and John replied, "Which is right in God's eyes: listening to you or him? You are the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18-19) They told the sect why they had to speak in that name. You are either in the Word conforming to the image of Christ or in the world, and it is squeezing you into its mould ― Howard Hendricks. WE MUST allow the Word of God to confront us, disturb our security, undermine our complacency, and overthrow our patterns of thought and behaviour ― John Stott. When the three Hebrew sons: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow to the gold statue, their stance threatened their lives, obliterated their complacency and overthrew their behaviour patterns. You cannot please God without risking something. When you hear a filthy joke next, let the scriptures confront your attitude. God is better served when you try to please Him in all that you do. BRINGING IT TOGETHER EVERYTHING God does begins with the 'why': God so loved the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) In the Kingdom of God, you believe your way in. It's time to believe in His Name!

HISTORY isn't just the story of bad people doing bad things. It's quite as much a story of people trying to do good things. But somehow, something goes wrong – C.S. Lewis. David felt it was time to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. So, he consulted with his officers and the people. And the people agreed to this because they felt it was the right thing to do. So, they put God's ark on a new cart celebrating with all their might. But as it moved through Chidon's threshing floor, something went wrong. The cart stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to grab it. God was angry, and he killed him. (1 Chron. 13:1-14) Opportunities might be rich but be careful how you seize them. THE QUALITY of your life is dependent on the quality of your relationship. Elisha had a good life—he walked with God. He was extraordinary. But as his life was coming to an end, he was sick with the illness that would take his life. Then Joash, the king of Israel, came to see him. And he said, "My father, O my father! The chariots and riders of Israel!" (2 Kings 13:14) He quoted Elisha's words to Elijah before he ascended. He knew that the death of Elisha could mean the lifting of God's power. So, he came to seek the mind of God. He couldn't deny that God's view matters. Dear friends, let us seek to live that even ungodly men may miss us when we are gone – Charles Spurgeon. UNTIL YOU realize that God has a perspective in all you do, your life will remain the same. Then, when you know there's a place waiting for you, your attitude will change. Peter understood this and said, "At your word." (Luke 5:5) As there was a place for Joash, there's one for you. Elisha told him to get a bow and an arrow. Then, he placed his hands over the king's hands and told him to open the window facing the east. Now launch the arrow as far as you can! (2 Kings 13:17) Before he shot, he opened the window. IT WAS the norm to shoot arrows into the enemy's territory in those days. But what he told him to do next was unusual. He gave him arrows and told him to hit the ground with them. If you look at the lives of people who encountered God, you'll see that he does surprising things. Something unexpected may be what you need to expand. IN JOASH's situation, he shot the arrow. However, we attack with our mouths—men always ought to pray and not faint. (Luke 18:1) The king hit the ground three times, and the prophet was angry with him. He said you would have completely ruined the Arameans if you had hit the ground five or six times. Elisha told him to shoot the arrows, but he did not tell him the number of times. GOD WILL tell you what to do, but he will not tell you how far you should go. For example, Elijah told Elisha to make a request—and he asked for a double portion of Elijah's anointing. (2 Kings 2:9) The amount was left to his discretion. Once, Elisha counselled a widow whose husband owed a lot—and the creditors were coming to take her sons. He told her not to borrow a few pots and pour from the little that she had. As she did, the oil flowed but stopped when she ran out of containers. She needed much oil to sell to pay her debt. (2 Kings 4:1-7) He told her what to do but not the number of pots to borrow. God will fill the vessel you provide—that includes you! THE CHILDREN of Israel had reminded God of the promise that he made to Abraham. But when it was time to possess the land, they said they couldn't. And as they spoke in his ears, he did. (Numb. 14:28) None among them except Joshua and Caleb made the promised land. We often limit God with the things we ask for in our prayers and block Him with the things we do. But you must see every moment in life as a chance to please God—and it will be easier to say your prayers when you do. Each moment is a place you've never been - Mark Strand. Bringing it Together IF AN ENCOUNTER with God does not change you, something is wrong. God's workings are behind the scenes–and his will is beyond the obvious. Until you live every moment without assuming there will be another moment, you're not living on purpose – Bishop T.D. Jakes.

MANY TIMES, we say: I'll pray for you, and we don't. Maybe we mean it, but we forget. However, Paul was different. He prayed for people in his epistles: those who asked and those who didn't—and a few times, he asked for prayers for himself. Once, he said: I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (Phil. 1:19) Paul believed that prayer was effective, powerful, and necessary. What do you want? THERE were things he wanted God to do. He asked for prayers to speak the right words, that doors will open for the gospel, and there will be clarity in communication. (Ephes. 6:19; Col. 4:2; 4:4) He also asked for prayers to be delivered from wicked and evil men. (2 Thes. 3:2) These show how eternally focused Paul was—and we have so much to learn from him. He committed to God every nitty-gritty of what he had to do. God wants you to commit your ways unto Him, and he will order your path. And when you tell him your works, he will establish your thoughts. (Ps. 37:5; Prov. 16:3) What is your attitude? PAUL was joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Rom. 12:12) As they prayed for him, he hoped their prayers would be answered. And in anticipation, he asked that they prepare a guest room for him. (Philemon 1:22) It will be a waste of effort if you do not believe that what you ask God for in prayer will come to pass. And this is the confidence we have in approaching God: if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14) Do you need help? YOU do not ask for prayer without praying for yourself. Paul needed other believers to stand in the gap with him. So, he called for prayers and God's intervention. He believed that you join them in their work when you pray for someone in ministry. Paul understood that believers care for one another. And one way they show it is in prayers. When you stand with other believers in their work with God, their burden becomes your burden—and together, you take it to the Lord. Paul built a community of prayer. For example, he made a request: Friends, pray for me. (Rom. 15:30) Some friends will stay, others will stray, and some will pray. When the results do not match the process AT A TIME, the disciples of Jesus were feeling uprooted. Some had left because of something Jesus said. (John 6:66-67) But he built a labyrinth of vines steeped in the soil. He painted the picture of his kingdom using the vine—and showed them a life of sustenance, beauty and connection. Then, he called them friends as he had told them his secret. (John 15:1-15) When prayer is a struggle NO WONDER before he was arrested, he took them to Mount Olives and said, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John with him. If you are deeply disturbed today, you are not alone. Jesus was deeply distressed and troubled. And his soul was sorrowful to the point of death. He moved a little farther from his disciples and prayed that, if possible, this cup would pass from him. Yet, not my will but yours be done. (Mk. 14:35-36) Jesus prayed for the reality of God's Will. God will save you from anything but not His Will. Adversity can be the plan of God, and as painful as it might be, it sets the stage for what is coming next. Could you not sleep on me? WHEN JESUS returned, he found them sleeping. He said to Peter, "Are you asleep? Couldn't you watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mk. 14:38) He went away, and when he returned, he found them sleeping as their eyes were tired. The disciples stayed; they strayed and did not pray. But the third time he returned, he told them that the hour had come. Soon after, Judas came to him and betrayed him with a kiss. The soldiers arrested Jesus and took him away. God will save you from anything but not His Will My Time PILATE found no fault in him. And when he brought Jesus out, they shouted, "Crucify him." The soldiers crucified Jesus. He who knew no sin became sin that you may become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:21) What a gift! Bringing It Together JESUS looked beyond the filthy hearts. He saw beating hearts—souls worth dying for. He stayed; Jesus did not stray, and he prayed. If you do not know Jesus, confess your sins to Him and ask Him to come into your heart. Tell him to be your Lord and Saviour. Now that you have done this, you are a believer in Christ. Happy Easter.

A COUPLE moved into a new neighbourhood where no one knew them. Every day they went out early and returned home late. And in their absence, neighbours heard the cries of a baby coming from their home. So, they called the police. While at the door, they could hear a baby's cries, but their knocks yielded no response. So they broke down the door, and what they saw surprised them. The police found a parrot in the house—and the bird made those sounds. In life, not everything is as it seems. REALITY is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect - C. S. Lewis. Paul was on his way to arrest believers when Jesus appeared to him. It wasn't what he expected. He fell to the ground. When he got up, he was blind. And God said to Ananias, "Go! I've chosen this man to bring my name to nations, kings, and Israel's people. I'll show him how much he has to suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15) Sometimes, pain can be the door to comfort—and death can be the door to life. To live for Christ, you have to die to sin. WHEN MOSES saw the burning bush, he knew there was more to the sight. So he stopped to look, and God called out to him. (Exod. 3:2-3) God's reality is beyond the obvious. GOD was displeased with Saul, and he sent Samuel to anoint a new king. When the prophet got to Jesse's house, he saw his first son and liked his physique. But God wasn't impressed with his heart. "Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) God took the prophet into the reality of things. Pain can be the door to comfort—and death can be the door to life THERE are two types of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done, and those to whom God says, "Then, have it your way" – C.S. Lewis. Samuel belonged to the first group—he wanted God to have his way. Do you belong to the first group, too? He understood that he was under authority. So he complied with God's directive. Obedience in Christ stimulates growth. Anything that grows not toward God is growing toward decay - George MacDonald. The moment God helped Samuel focus, he knew God had a plan. So, it became easy for him to understand God's perspective. God's viewpoint is beyond the obvious—it is the mind of God. THE PROPHET went through the seven sons of Jesse, and God rejected them. However, Samuel did not stop there. "Are these all the sons you have?" "There's still the youngest one," Jesse answered. "He's tending the sheep." "Send someone to get him. We won't continue until he gets here." When they brought the youngest son from the field, God said to the prophet, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one." (1 Sam. 16:11-12) Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed him. He understood that to walk out of God's will is to walk into a dead-end. How far are you willing to go with God? HE WALKED with God and never jumped ahead. Instead, he took one step at a time; that's called obedience. Obedience to God is the accurate representation of a believer. IN YOUR WALK with God, never assume that the way he did something yesterday, he will do it the exact same way today. All God wants you to do is follow his lead. Bringing it Together OBEDIENCE to God takes you beyond the obvious. It gives you a clearer view of life. YOU MUST understand that tomorrow matters—and the days behind you determine the days ahead. So trust God. There would be no need in saying you trusted Jesus if you would not take his advice - C.S. Lewis.

WE MAY NOT know what a man will do, but we know what God cannot do. God is righteous, so he cannot lie. God is all-powerful. Hence, he cannot fail. God made time. He cannot change. God will not break a promise—you can trust Him. JEHOSHAPHAT did not just tell his people to trust God. Instead, he showed them how to trust Him. He returned them to God and warned them not to sin. Then, when he heard that enemies were coming, he asked God for advice. (2 Chron. 20) He told everyone to go without food and come together to ask God for help. They provided God with the atmosphere to do what He does best. What you do first when you are distressed shows where your heart is. MAN will say: Show me, and I'll trust you. However, God will say: Trust me, and I'll show you. (Ps. 126:6) THE KING went to God, not trying to figure things out but trusting Him. So, he began his prayer by acknowledging God's sovereignty. "Lord God of our ancestors, aren't you the God in heaven? You rule all the kingdoms of the nations. You possess power and might, and no one can oppose you." (2 Chron. 20:6) Then, the Spirit of God came upon Jahaziel. And the Lord said: "Don't be frightened or terrified by this large crowd. The battle isn't yours. It's God's." "You won't fight this battle. Instead, take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord for you, Judah and Jerusalem. Don't be frightened or terrified. Tomorrow go out to face them. The Lord is with you." (2 Chron. 20:15-17) God became their hiding place. JEHOSHAPHAT and the people bowed their heads before the Lord. Then, the Levites worshipped the Lord with loud songs. What you do after receiving a word from God matters. PROGRESS is easier when you follow the plan—and the condition to meet is to believe. When you fix your thoughts on God—He fixes your thoughts. Jehoshaphat had no stinking thinking. He rose the following morning to remind them of what they had to do. And he said, "Listen to me, people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem. Trust the Lord your God and believe. Believe his prophets, and you will succeed." (2 Chron. 20:20) Do you believe in God? IF YOU trust God, it's easier to trust the process. So, when you trust the process, you will follow the plan. You cannot have the product without the strategy—neither can you hate the process and love the product. During the walk to Canaan, the children of Israel wanted the promised land without doing the work, which got them in trouble. If you believe and hate trials, you're in the wrong faith. James 2:3-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Therefore, let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." My prayer for you is that you'll see the power in Christ so that you can have pleasure in trials. WHEN YOU trust God, faith will make you believe Him. Hope will make you anticipate things, and patience will make you wait for Him. Abraham still hoped and believed when there was nothing left to hope for. As a result, he became a father of many nations, as he had been told: "That is how many descendants you will have." (Rom. 4:18) Faith goes up the stairs that trust has built and looks out the window that hope has opened. Are you going up those difficult stairs? Trust Him. YOUR FAITH in God must be content that His promise cannot fail. The king followed the plan—he chose people to worship. God always has an end game. He silenced the enemies of his people. So, all Israel had to do was take the loot. What an awesome God? Faith goes up the stairs that trust has built GOD'S GIFTS are always better on the other side, but you'll have to possess them. For Israel, every victory gave them more territory. However, the challenges you surmount will bring a better understanding. Bringing it Together YOU MUST understand that God's credibility is never at stake whenever you face a difficult situation. Your beliefs do not get you through the trying times but your connection to God. To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust in the dark is faith – CH Spurgeon. Trust Him!

AS I LIVE, I realize relationships are vital to our existence—our lives are built on them, and we thrive through them. From the beginning of creation, God wanted humanity to be close to Him. He treated Adam and Eve like friends. The Narrative AFTER GOD MADE THE GARDEN and put the man in it, he told him to work and take care of it. God said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die." (Genesis 2:16-17) And when he saw that it wasn't good for the man to be alone, he made him a helpmeet. God was out to make him as comfortable as possible. The man and the woman were both naked and not ashamed. But shortly after, the devil deceived Eve. She ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and gave it to Adam. They shared their table with the enemy and broke the trust in their relationship with God. They hid among the trees when they heard God's footsteps in the garden. "Where are you," God called to Adam. "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so, I hid, he answered." (Genesis 3:9-10) "Who told you that you're naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" (Genesis 3:11) Adam was frightened of the relationship he had enjoyed. He suddenly realized his vulnerability and was concerned that he would get hurt. Although God was upset, he wanted to give humanity a second chance. God planned to restore his relationship with mankind. How do you build better relationships? Learn to Trust RELATIONSHIPS THRIVE ON TRUST. It's the pivot on which everything rests. The devil undermined the trust that Eve had in God. He created doubt in her. Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually. (1 Chronicle 16:11) Good Communication IN ANY RELATIONSHIP, you must do your best to communicate things properly and do not hesitate to ask questions when you need clarification. Today, God shares his heart with us through the scriptures and teaches us by His Spirit. (John 14:26) Become A Great Listener EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE HEARD and understood. Despite their sin, God still listened to what they had to say. He did not pronounce any judgement until he had heard from them. Ask the Right Questions IN LIFE, we all seek to be admired and loved. To let people know that you hear them, you must understand what they're saying. The questions you ask will show that you heard. If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13) Remember Things that Are Important to Others A GOOD PLACE to start is to remember the names of people. When you do this, it's easier to remember things about them. People are touched when you remember their names and situations. Manage Your Emotions PEOPLE WHO CONSISTENTLY MANAGE their emotions properly can better create meaningful relationships. Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32) Express Your Appreciation GRATITUDE IS AN ESSENTIAL ATTITUDE with endless benefits. It boosts people's morale. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE FALL OF ADAM AND EVE put us in jeopardy. But at the set time, God sent His Son to the world to die for our sins; so, we can have a better relationship with Him. Now you can listen, not with the intent to argue but to change something in your life and become a better person.

IT'S EASY to be common, but it becomes uneasy when you choose to be uncommon. Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego sounded weird when they refused meat sacrificed to idols. (Dan. 1:8-16) Mordecai looked arrogant when he chose not to bow to Haman—and he had a target on his back. (Est. 3:5) Moses seemed ungrateful when he refused to identify solely as the son of Pharaoh's daughter and chose instead to share the sufferings of his people. (Heb. 11:24-26) Everyone who stood for God had something in common—the Burning Bush. WE FEEL forgotten through certain seasons of life and do not realize that we are never out of God's view. Even when we leave him out of our plans, he never shuts us out of His—and we still end up right where he wants us. He's always looking for people with whom he will do the impossible. For God knows the plans, he has for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope. (Jer. 29:11) FOR FORTY YEARS as an outsider, the future waited on Moses. He saw himself as a murderer, a fugitive and a man forgotten. One day as he shepherded his father-in-law's sheep, he guarded them away from the usual pastures to Horeb—the mountain of God. There he saw a great sight: the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up. So, he said: "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." And as he did, God called out to him. Moses, Moses! Here, I am, he answered. "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground." (Exod. 3:1-5) Moses needed a strange sight to be drawn in. So God gave him a divine revelation. ONE DAY, Jesus was standing by the Sea of Galilee. The people crowded around him—and he got into Peter's boat. When he was done preaching, he told Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets. "Teacher, we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll lower the nets." They let down their nets, and they caught so many fish that their nets were about to break. When Peter saw what had happened, he fell before Jesus and said: "Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful person." (Luke 5:1-8) Peter experienced a divine persuasion and couldn't hold back. Life is God's novel YOU MAY say you've never had a burning bush experience—but I beg to differ. That nudge you're unable to shake off can be your burning bush. To the eyes that see, every bush is a burning bush – Eugene Peterson. ELIJAH'S burning bush was the still small voice that asked, "What are you doing here?" (1 Kings 19:13) Whenever God asks a question, he already has the answer. But he does so to draw your attention to his divine purpose. What has the Lord asked you lately? WHEN LAST did you set aside ample time to spend with Him? Have you done the last thing he told you to do? While you are waiting on Him, he is waiting on you. Bringing it Together UNTIL YOU turn aside to look, God will not speak. But, when you give attention to Him, he gives attention to you. Life is God's novel. Let Him write it! - Isaac B. Singer

WHAT SCARES YOU in life? A lady told me that she fears the future because she never wants to be alone. Pasteur discovered the principles of vaccination and pasteurization. Yet, he hated shaking hands with people because he felt he could contract germs. An American president slept many nights with lights on—he would never touch the switches in his home. When you take counsel from your fears, you give an anomaly a place in your life. THE CHILDREN of Israel had suffered greatly in the hands of the Egyptians, and when their deliverance came, they feared the future. Didn't we tell you in Egypt, "Stop pestering us so we can get on with our lives and serve the Egyptians"? It would have been better for us to live as slaves to the Egyptians than to die out here in the desert. (Exo. 14:11) They did not know that it's often an exit from a comfort zone when God opens a door. IF MOSES had taken a poll that day, he would have been disappointed, but he took his question to God. And God told them to move forward. Moses said to them, "Don't be afraid! Stand still, and you'll see what the Lord will do to save you today. You will never see the Egyptians again." (Exo. 14:12) Do not open the door to fear when facing difficulties. What you make room for will occupy you. The ongoing Canada Trucker protest is an example. WHEN MOSES died, God shared his perspective with Joshua. He told him not to give in to fear—and he is saying the same to you. To shape your thoughts, you must think about the teachings of the scripture night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed. (Jos. 1:8) GOD GAVE himself to persuade him. He has done the same to you. 'Be strong and courageous! Don't tremble or be terrified because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Jos. 1:9) What else does one need than God's presence? After all, there's nothing as comforting as knowing that God is in your midst. Moses understood the need for God's presence, and he told God not to move them except he came with them. (Exod. 33:15) AFTER GOD talked with him, Joshua sent people through the camp to inform the children of Israel that they packed their things. They would leave in three days. He knew that they had to continue their match to the Promise land. God had shared the big picture. He had persuaded him to succeed—and Joshua realized what he had to do. SCRIPTURES will remain mere words until you act on them. Then, they become commitments. However, you'll not have a burning desire to succeed until you are committed to Christ. JOSHUA saw his purpose in the plan of God. He knew that God called him to lead the people of Israel to Canaan. He understood that his potentials were the total of all possibilities that God had for his life – Charles Stanley. He knew that life has no purpose without God, and without purpose, life is meaningless. MANY PEOPLE in our day lack purpose because of what they've been taught. The culture has devolved into weird stuff—and people are confused. The previous anchor points have been removed, but you must not lose heart. The Word of God is profitable for doctrine—that's what is right; for reproof—that's what is not right; for correction—that's how to get it right, and for instruction in righteousness—that's how to stay right. (2 Tim. 3:16) If you want to get it right, get into the Word. You are the only Bible some unbelievers will read - John MacArthur. TO SUCCEED, you must provoke yourself to remember who you are in Christ. Always everywhere, God is present, and he seeks to discover Himself to everyone – AW Tozer. GOD IS NOT looking for people who think they know Him, but those who want to know Him. Faith does not eliminate questions, but it knows where to take them – Elisabeth Elliot. And if you have questions, take them to God!

YOU MAY BE having a refill at your favourite diner, picking up groceries at your neighbourhood store or waiting for a call from a loved one. Many things you do may seem ordinary—but bending your knees in prayer has a way of shaping them. Prayer changes things. To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees - Billy Graham. A WIDOW who had been accused falsely went to a judge to clear her name—but the judge paid no attention to her request. Imagine the secretary telling her that the judge saw no one that day. She sat at the reception, opened her lunch box, and ate. And when the judge found that the Widow never left, he said: "But this widow is driving me crazy. She's never going to quit coming to see me unless I hear her case and provide her legal protection." (Luke 18:5) The judge restricted her access to justice, but she pushed back. To get answers to prayers, you must persist. Nothing will happen without effort. PRAYER IS the exercise of drawing on the grace of God – Oswald Chambers. Mary was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus and his disciples were there too. While they celebrated, they ran out of wine—and she hurried over to her Son. The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests and no more wine. "Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? Unfortunately, my time has not arrived," Jesus replied. (John 2:3-4) She tells the servants to do whatever her Son tells them to do. And Jesus turned water into wine. She drew from the grace of God. Whenever you combine persistence in prayer with a relationship, you have a formidable force. TOO OFTEN, people think of God as a mountain too high to reach. But thank God for sending his Son. Jesus wears many hats: he's the Son of God, our saviour and king. As a Christian, you wear many hats too. For example, you may not be an intercessor, but you're called to intercede. (1 Tim. 2:2) And God never gives us discernment to criticize but that we may intercede – Oswald Chambers. THE PLAN of God for every believer is not to sail through life with ease—but to suffer and come to depend on Him. (2 Cor. 4:11) Mordecai tore his clothes when he heard of the plot against the Jews. Then, he sent a message to Esther. How am I supposed to see the king? It's known that anyone who approaches him in the inner chamber without being invited is sentenced to death. (Est. 4:11) But Mordecai warned her not to think that she would escape the carnage. Usually, we are judged by what we do, but what we don't do haunts us. Persistence in prayer with a relationship is a formidable force PRAYER LAYS hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth – Elisabeth Elliot. Esther had courage, and she knew God. But if the stage isn't set, nothing can be guaranteed. Esther understood she needed to hem her affairs in prayer, and her future would come less unravelled. So, she called for a three-day fast and prayers. If you bend your knees, you'll be amazed at what God will do. SELF TURNS what would otherwise be a pure and powerful prayer into a weak and ineffective prayer – A. W. Tozer. She made a sacrifice—she wasn't selfish. ANY CONCERN too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be turned into a burden – Corrie Ten Boom. Esther was so concerned that she was willing to give her life. She went into the King’s quarters as an intercessor, but he saw her as his wife and queen. And when she appeared before him, he said: What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? I'll provide you with anything—even half of my kingdom—all you need to do is ask. (Est. 5:3) Turn your concerns into burdens and lay them at the foot of the cross. Bringing it Together PRAYER IS a process you must push through daily. Men may spurn your appeal, reject your message, oppose your argument, despise your person, but they are helpless against your prayers – J. S. Baxter. Never stop praying.

WE ARE in extraordinary times—and the facts are beyond dispute. We are surrounded by things that subtly underscore our vulnerability—and if there's anything this season has shown, it's that we need help; we need a safe place. RAHAB knew that the spies from Israel needed help when soldiers appeared at her doorstep, and she hid them. (Jos. 2:4-5) THE ARMIES of Israel knew they were on some of their worst days when they fled before the champion of the Philistines. But David knew they were the people of God. Moreover, he understood that God was on their side. So he said, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (1 Sam. 17:45) On your best day, your future may be bleak. But with God on your side, on your worst day, your future is bright. PEOPLE often confess the beginning of Romans 8:28: We are confident that God can orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. They forget that the scripture refers to those who love God and live according to His plan. David understood this, and he lived according to God's purpose. ONE OF the Pharisees had invited Jesus to his home. As he sat there, a woman brought an alabaster jar of oil. She looked for a safe place. The woman sat at his feet, washed them with her tears and dried them with her hair. Then, she rubbed his feet with the perfume. And Jesus said to her: "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace!" (Luke 7:37-48) If you need compassion, God has got much more than you think. UNTIL YOU make God your safe place, he cannot keep you safe. So when Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace, they said to him: "If our God, whom we honour, can save us from a blazing furnace and your power, he will, Your Majesty. But if he doesn't, you should know, Your Majesty, we'll never honour your gods or worship the gold statue that you set up." (Dan. 3:17-18) They gave God supervision over their lives—and whatever the king planned to do wouldn't change a thing. Have you done the same? WE LIVE in an era when people say: my truth—so, there are versions of the truth. But in this changing world, there's no other truth besides God's never-changing one. (John 8:32) They had no different truth but that of God—and they fought to preserve it. When we are aware of the foundation of our faith, we will stop fighting for unnecessary things. God will not act on your behalf until you give Him control THE THREE MEN stood against the culture of their time. They built a wall of defence around themselves with their faith in God. Yet, they faced a foot soldier of culture who wanted to crush them, one who desired to dethrone God from the centre of their lives and take them out of their safe place. If they lived today, many would say they are politically wrong and fight against their beliefs. You must understand that God cannot act on your behalf except you give Him control—and until you make him your safe place, he cannot keep you safe. THERE'S NO DOUBT that times are hard. But in this lonely time, God will never leave you nor forsake you. He is good, a stronghold in the days of trouble—and he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nah. 1:7) You may be suffering the passing of a loved one or a traumatic experience. I pray that God will touch your heart and heal your ache. He will be your safe place. IF PAUL could sit in prison without burning out, you can do the same. But your stability will depend on a relationship with Jesus. Everyone who pleased Him had a relationship with Him. To do this, you must acknowledge that you're a sinner and you need a Saviour. Ask Jesus to forgive you all your sins and come into your life. If you have done this truthfully, you are now believers in Christ. You are now in God's safe place.

IT IS ONE thing to see what God is doing and another to know why he does what he does. God made known his ways to Moses, but his acts to the children of Israel. (Ps. 103:7) Moses knew the heart of God while the people of Israel saw his hands. We will never grasp his ways except we know Him—and we will not know Him except we come to terms with Him. INTIMACY is what we experience when we have a deep relationship with someone—and when trust is eroded, we feel distant from the person. We know how difficult it can be sitting next to someone we are distant from or how uncomfortable we can feel sitting next to a stranger. But we can be many miles away from an intimate friend and still feel close. In Cave Adullam, David felt uncomfortable standing next to Saul because, repeatedly, Saul had tried to kill him. (1 Sam. 24:5-22) But Jonathan and David felt close despite the distance between them. The common ingredient to every intimate relationship is trust—and it's what you find between friends. God trusted Moses and spoke with him face to face as a man talked to his friend. (Exod. 33:11) The more he walked with God, the more he understood Him. His trust fuelled their relationship. What is fuelling your friendship with God? When you trust the Lord with all your heart, you'll not lean on your understanding. And when you make Him Lord in all your ways, he will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5-6) Trust for God takes your focus off yourself and puts it on, God. Every believer in Christ wants to experience intimacy with God—and say, "But for me, it is good to be near God. (Ps. 73:28) Your closeness or distance from God isn't your proximity to Him but your experience of intimacy with Him. ONE COMMON mistake is to think that we can know God through the accumulation of knowledge. Once, a rich young ruler came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to have eternal life. He knew the scriptures. He had obeyed the commandments, but something was missing. (Mark 10:17-27) If knowledge were sufficient, Jesus wouldn't have told the woman at the Well of Samaria that they worshipped what they did not know. (John 4:22) In the history of the world, we've never had as much theological knowledge. We have never been surrounded by so many translations of the bible and Christian literature—and many of them are very good. For me, it is good to be near God We know that biblical knowledge is better than gold; it fuels our understanding. (Prov. 16:16) But when it replaces our trust in God, we worship ourselves. (1 Cor. 8:1) Until biblical knowledge leaves our heads for our hearts, we will not know his ways. How do we know his ways? WE'VE BEEN groomed by the media to think that there's something wrong with waiting—and many of us now believe that we can get things with little effort. But Moses thought differently—he would go into the tent daily to meet with the Lord. (Exod. 33:7-8) To know his ways requires a lot of effort, but it begins with spending time in his presence. There is fullness of joy in his presence, and on his right hand, there are pleasures forever. (Ps. 16:11) OBEDIENCE IS a vital part of our lives. You may not owe anyone anything, but you owe God everything. An obedient man is the one who does what God says, when he says it and how he says it. It comes from faith—and building the culture of obedience in Christ happens one person, one decision at a time. You choose to do what he says, no matter how difficult it is. WE DO what is right not only in the sight of God but also in the eyes of men. (2 Cor. 8:21) Joseph was locked in prison because of a false accusation, but he did right before God and men. He offered help to his co-inmates whenever they needed it. (Gen. 40:7-14) We must learn to do right even when things go wrong! IF YOU want to know the heart of God, you must serve—ministering to others or mentoring them. As you share your gifts or talents with people, it starts to grow. At home, Joseph dreamt, but his audience did not receive his gift. (Gen. 37:5) However, in Egypt, he interpreted dreams—and his audience embraced his gift. (Gen. 41:37) He understood the ways of God. He said to his brothers, "God sent me ahead of you to make sure that you would have descendants on the earth and to save your lives amazingly. It wasn't you who sent me here, but God. He has made me like a father to Pharaoh, lord over his entire household, and ruler of Egypt. (Gen. 45:7-9) BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHEN WE understand his ways, our walk with Him becomes easier—and our expectations of Him become realistic. God often keeps us waiting. He is never in such a hurry as we are, and it's not his way to give more light to the future than we need for the present. When in doubt, do nothing but continue to wait on God. When action is required, the light will come – J.I. Packer.

WE ARE all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations – Chuck Swindoll. They are sacrificial or challenging, trying or elevating. Some are obvious, and others you may never know except you pray. IT WAS challenging for David when his soldiers turned on him, but he knew God was just a prayer away. And when he faced Goliath, he understood that it was a great opportunity disguised as an impossible situation. (1 Sam. 30:1-8; 1 Sam. 17:13) David knew that these opportunities could be fleeting, and he seized them. That situation you are facing may be your door to greatness, do not let it slip. The Narrative JESUS WAS on his last journey to Jerusalem—and there was so much noise as he passed through Jericho. A blind beggar sat at the roadside, wondering what was happening. When he heard that it was Jesus, he cried out: Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me. (Mark 10:49) "Be quiet; Shush," they said. They were unconcerned about his plight. But the more they tried to shut him up, the more he cried out. And when Jesus heard him, he invited him to the table. Are you stuck? IS YOUR situation trying to shut you up? Are there noises around you dwarfing your voice? Then, it's time to cry out. Life is full of noises, but you must choose what matters. Be sensitive TO BE sensitive to people's plights, you must read God's Word, and when it inspires you, the world will become a billboard. When people face challenges, God wants you to lend a helping hand. He also wants you to lift them in prayer. The greatest gift you can give anyone is godliness. So be a child of God. God is only a prayer away You can make a difference WHEN JESUS requested to see him, the people said, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." (Mark 10:49) As the saying goes, the best of man is always man. The bunch of hypocrites who wanted him quiet suddenly changed their speech. You must understand that your attitude is your best sermon because it impacts the people around you. Therefore, God will always allow you to serve Him as you help people. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for, in due season, we will reap if we do not give up. (Heb. 6:10) God has a gift JESUS HAD a gift for him—and he has one for you. What do you want me to do for you? "Teacher, I want to see," he replied. (Mark 10:51) Go, your faith has healed you. Immediately, he received his sight. (Mark 10:52) Whenever you focus on God, he focuses on you. And whenever you ask Him for help, he has a gift for you. Think right ZACCHEUS' VIEW was obstructed by the crowd when Jesus came to Jericho. (Luke 19:1-10) He was a Jew who sided with the Romans. He was a tax collector. If he had asked for a space to pass, they would have shoved him aside and called him a traitor. So, he climbed a tree. If you think right, you'll have the right attitude. Zaccheus' ability to put things in perspective gave him hope. He was willing to do anything to see Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, he comforted him, saying, "Today, salvation has come to your home." (Luke 19:9) He allowed Jesus to write his story—and God wants you to do the same. BRINGING IT TOGETHER NO MATTER how alone you think you are, God is just a prayer away - Unknown. Every day is an opportunity to change things—and when God opens a door, it's often an exit from a comfort zone - David Jeremiah.